Near Mokelumne Hill in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Chili Gulch

Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 15, 2008

1. Chili Gulch Marker

Inscription. Richest placer mining section, extending five miles, in Calaveras County. Received name from Chileans who worked gulch in 1848 and 1849, and scene of the so-called Chilean War. Largest known quartz crystals recovered from mine on south side of gulch.

Erected 1949 by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by The Mokelumne Hill Lions Club July 4, 1949. (Marker Number 265.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Natural Resources • Notable Events • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 38° 12.967′ N, 120° 41.963′ W. Marker is near Mokelumne Hill, California, in Calaveras County. Marker is on State Highway 49, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located 1.4 miles south of Mokelumne Hill. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mokelumne Hill CA 95245, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. California Pioneers Reinterred from Poverty Bar Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Restaurant in Town (approx. 1.7 miles away); San Andreas

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(approx. 1.7 miles away); Double Springs (approx. 2.4 miles away); Model 1841 12-Pound Field Howitzers (approx. 2½ miles away); Calaveras County War Memorial (approx. 2½ miles away); The Red Barn (approx. 2.6 miles away); Calaveras County Hospital Cemetery (approx. 2.7 miles away).

More about this marker. This site is a California Registered Historical Landmark (No.265)
There is nothing remaining of this mining town.

Regarding Chili Gulch. In December 1849, Anglo-European miners in Calaveras County drew up a local mining code that called for all foreign miners to leave the country within 15 days, leading to much protest and violence. The so-called "Chilean War" resulted in several deaths and the expulsion of Chilean miners from their claims. Accounts vary widely about the details, with some including mention of Joaquin Murrieta's involvement on the side of the Chileans. The events in Calaveras County projected the Murietta legend into the politics of Chile where anti-American politicians used it to garner votes.
Source: Wikipedia

Also see . . .
1. Online Archive of California - A Photo of Murphy House, Chile Gulch

Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 15, 2008

2. Chili Gulch Marker

. (Submitted on September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Malakoff - Chili Gulch. (Submitted on September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
3. Ghost Towns - Chili Gulch. (Submitted on September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Chili Gulch - Looking East image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 15, 2008

3. Chili Gulch - Looking East

Chili Gulch - Looking West image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 15, 2008

4. Chili Gulch - Looking West

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,928 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.